The Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is dead. He died last night at the age of 56.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Army chief passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
The statement revealed that Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968 and was appointed the Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It said his distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, in 1987.
On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation Zaki in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
The statement said: “President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”